One teen killed, one taken to hospital after fiery car accident north of Topeka

First responders investigate the car that was involved in a fatality accident Sunday night north of Topeka. One teen was killed and another was hospitalized with injuries not believed to be life threatening.

Excessive speed may have been a contributing factor in a fiery one-vehicle accident Sunday night north of Topeka that took the life of one teen and left another teen with serious injuries, an official with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office said.

Lt. Jay Simecka said the driver was traveling southbound around a bend in the road on N.W. Rochester and lost control of the car, which rolled down a steep embankment and hit a tree in the front yard of a residence at 5246 N.W. Rochester. The car then caught on fire.

The incident was reported about 8:06 p.m. by the homeowner.

The driver was found dead inside the car, while the passenger was outside the car when authorities arrived. Simecka couldn’t say whether the passenger was ejected. The passenger was taken to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center by an American Medical Response ambulance.

The age, sex and names of the teens weren’t immediately known late Sunday night. Simecka said both were under the age of 18.

When authorities arrived, the four-door car was engulfed in flames. Crews with the Soldier Township Fire Department responded and put out the fire.

It wasn’t known whether the teens were wearing seat belts.

The accident happened just north of Seaman High School.

The Kansas Highway Patrol also assisted with the investigation, which is ongoing.

More information will be released pending victim identification and proper death notification, Simecka said.